If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

I don't know the answer to your first question, but I do know that you can't leave it at 6ft. That is too long for such a high frequency. At 5.8GHz it should only be 2 or 3 inches, otherwise you will have big losses.

Ideally for 5G8 you want between 2 and 5 inches in length, longer lengths will depend on the rating of the cable. On most more than 6 to 8 inches is not advisable as they are normally rated only to 3GHz.

Post a picture of the cable you are talking about. Also if there is writing printed on it tell us what it says so we can help you find the specs of that particular cable.

Originally Posted by whakahere

I keep thinking I should give up crashing too ... I guess it is an addiction.

Hope there is a photo showing here. This is the cable and connector I want to rob from a 2.4 GHz wifi antenna for my DIY 5.8 GZhz helical. No writing on the cable. Is there a chance this cable would work for me? Thanks

Should work but like most coax cables that don't have air as dielectricum and cost 100$ per meter it is propably only rated to 3GHz so try to keep it short.
Plus make shure the cable has the same SMA plug as the tx (rp or normal)

How many engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
3. One to hold the light bulb and two to turn the ladder.

My initial thought is your first turn is a bit too close to the reflector for the size of wire you are using. I would highly suggest tuning it with a range test of some sort. Put a few houses or something between the transmitter and receiver and play with that first turn. You might even find a full 1/2 turn close to the reflector tunes it in perfectly. It's not too hard to do, but it's not easy either.